FAQs
I’m a beginner - are your classes suitable?
This is probably the question I am asked the most! In short, yes (the long answer is below): everyone is welcome to yoga, I tend to offer variations of different poses, you can rest whenever, and all classes have students with mixed abilities.
The longer answer is that it depends on what you mean by beginner. There are many different types of beginners: some have never tried yoga but have a relatively regular engagement with other forms of exercise, whilst other beginners may be new to physical activity altogether. Whatever sort of beginner you are, please read this page of FAQs.
You are very welcome to any of my classes, as long as you understand that you are in control of how much or how little you do in the class. Please feel free to modify poses to what feels better for your body. If you are new it is usually challenging at first (it was for me!) - feel free to rest whenever you need or come out of poses sooner. I really don’t mind if students are resting, and in fact I prefer it because it shows that they are listening to what their body needs. Lots of my regulars take rests and don’t try every single pose option given.
The most important point to remember is that if you are new to anything you don’t have to be perfect at it straight away (and you probably won’t be!). You’ll likely find some of the names of poses new and confusing at first - that is totally normal. If you are on your mat and people around you look like they know what they are doing, it is probably just because they have been doing yoga for a while. Learning anything takes time and practice - so be patient, and with a few sessions you’ll start to remember and recognise patterns in the poses and sequences, as well as start to feel stronger and more in tune with your body.
I’m a beginner - which class is best to try first?
All of my classes are ‘All Level Classes’; I do not teach a class only for beginners (nor do I do them only for experts). This means there will be a varying mix of abilities, ages and experience in all my classes. As noted above, please just be mindful of how your body feels throughout class and rest when you need. Yoga, like anything, takes practice: so be patient as a beginner and don’t compare yourself to others in the class - you don’t know how long they might have been coming to yoga for!
If you have never done yoga before, nor done much in terms of lunges, planks, floor work etc. I would strongly suggest trying Monday’s slow flow class as the most accessible. The pace is slower and the poses offered are less complex. Spend a few sessions getting used to poses and terminology in that class before progressing to Sunday or Saturday.
If you are someone who has a relatively good level of fitness but you’ve never done yoga, Sunday class’ intensity might also be accessible. This class is very similar to the Monday class, except with a little more intensity and extra pose options thrown in for those that have a higher exercise tolerance. Monday and Sunday always have the same overall theme as each other, which changes weekly or monthly.
Saturday’s class is always largely the same as it follows a traditional sequence. It is a good one for beginners that have a relatively good level of fitness because the first 20 mins of class is of a higher intensity. This class is Ashtanga-based: it begins with moving sun salutations, then slows down with five breaths in each pose from there. The sequence is demanding, but because it is mostly the same each week it can provide beginners with a good base, allowing for repetition and easy learning of traditional yoga postures.
If you are someone that has never done a group class before, is new to regular physical activity, or feels at all apprehensive about what to expect - please reach out to me on my contact page. We can have a chat and I can send you a tester video so you can see what the basic class structure is before coming to a live class. We can also chat about private one-to-one class or classes if that might help you get a basic understanding of the yoga poses before joining a group class.
I’m in my 60s - are your classes appropriate?
Again this is a question that is difficult to answer. Really it depends on the person.
My classes are varied in attendance: I get a large mix of people from beginners to advanced yogis, from 20 year olds to 60 year olds. The 60 year olds that I do have in my classes are relatively fit and active. If you’re able to sustain lunges, are relatively mobile to be able to transition from the floor to standing without too much difficulty, and can tolerate some core work - you should fit in fine!
I offer different options in poses so most of the time there is an option suitable for everyone (See “I’m a beginner - which class is best to try first?“ for a description of the differences between each class). If at any time you need to rest and take a break feel free to do so - I never mind if students are taking a rest. It’s important to listen to your body and only do what feels safe to you.
If you’re at all apprehensive about whether the level of intensity is appropriate for you, contact me and I can send you a tester video so you can see what the basic class structure is before coming to a live class. I also offer private one-to-one classes and have done a specific course in teaching yoga to seniors (I have had a 90-year old private student!).
What are your prices?
An individual drop in class is £12 if you bring your own mat, or £14 including mat hire.
You can also purchase bulk class passes which reduces the individual class price further:
5 class pass : £55 BYO mat / £64 including mat hire
10 class pass: £100 BYO mat / £115 including mat hire
You don’t have to use all your classes in one go - you can space out your bookings as you like, as long as you use them within the expiry date limit which is shown at the checkout.
What sort of movements/poses should I expect in each class ?
My classes will work your strength, flexibility and balance in many different ways. Expect a combination of floor work, standing poses like lunge variations or standing balances, seated poses and perhaps some core work peppered throughout. There is always a short reflective relaxation for the last few minutes, to wind down.
If you’re at all apprehensive about whether the level of intensity is appropriate for you, contact me and I can send you a tester video so you can see what the basic class structure is before coming to a live class. I also do private one-to-one classes.
What are the differences between your classes ?
Monday and Sunday classes: the sequence is designed by me and evolves from week to week with different themes. Mondays class is an easier version of the Sunday class each week.
Saturday’s class is based on the traditional ‘Ashtanga’ primary series, and is therefore not a sequence designed by me. I have modified the Ashtanga sequence to be more accessible, and I do sometimes add a few different additions - but mostly at least 80% of the class is the same each week.
Monday and Sunday classes are to music. Saturday’s is not.
What do I need to bring to class ?
If you have a yoga mat, bring it! If not, there is an option to hire one with the ‘+ matt hire’ ticket option when booking your class.
I have blocks and straps available, but feel free to bring your own if you have them.
What facilities are available ? Can I change there?
There are toilets at the venues, which you can use to change in. However, sorry, there are no showers.
Is there free parking?
There is free parking on surrounding streets at the times of all the classes.
If you have a bike, there are bike racks around the venues.